. >> president obama said his thoughts and prayers go out to the people effected by the storm. he ordered the pentagon to deploy marines to assist in recovery efforts. >> the first waive of u.s. government aid arrived. >> food, water, it's always the basics they need. >> lewis is a red cross relief worker from boston headed to the philippines. >> it's my home country. i've seen a lot of devastationsn the philippines. it's emotional. it's part of the job. >> the devastation is so severe people are digging through the debris to find food as they wait for the much-needed help. susan mcginnis, wjz eyewitness news. >> here organizations are mobilizing relief efforts. catholic relief services and lutheran world relief are already sending over much-needed items and volunteers. >> we're told that it's as big a disaster in terms of its impact as the earthquake in hati and the indian ocean tsunami. we're looking a major disaster. >> among the items being acceptability out, 8,000 tarps to provide temporary shelters for those who lost their homes. >>> in this city a neighborhood shuts down